SALEM, Ore. — (RV) CIU women's volleyball faced some of the toughest competition on its schedule Friday as the Rams traveled across the country to open the Hampton Inn Classic, hosted by No. 6 Corban University.
CIU opened the day against the host Warriors, falling in straight sets 25-15, 25-16, 25-19. The Rams improved offensively as the match progressed, hitting .200 in the second set and .219 in the third after struggling to find a rhythm in the opening frame.
Mary Norwood led CIU against Corban with eight kills while hitting .292, while Zcearia James added six kills without an attack error for a .333 hitting percentage. Ava Koselke provided a spark, putting down five kills on six attempts to hit .833. Savannah Kelly added four kills and five block assists.
Maria Ferreira and Macy Brooks combined for 24 assists, with Ferreira handing out 13 and Brooks adding 11. Ashley Burgbacher led the Rams defensively with 10 digs while also recording two service aces.
The Rams returned to the court later Friday to face another nationally ranked opponent in No. 22 Southern Oregon. After dropping the opening set 25-14, CIU responded with its best stretch of the day.
The second set turned into a back-and-forth battle featuring 14 ties and seven lead changes. CIU put down 12 kills with just two attack errors, hitting .303 on its way to a 25-23 victory to even the match at one set apiece. Southern Oregon responded by taking the final two sets 25-17 and 25-10 to earn the four-set win.
Katelynn Mundy turned in a strong offensive performance against the Raiders, leading the Rams with 12 kills without committing an attack error on 25 attempts for a .480 hitting percentage. Norwood and James added seven kills apiece, while freshman Sarah Lancaster provided seven kills and hit .250 in extended action.
Ferreira recorded 13 assists and 11 digs, while Brooks handed out a team-high 17 assists. Rilee Sturkie added 10 digs for the Rams. CIU finished the match with 37 kills and 16 block assists.
The Rams (2-5) will get two more opportunities against quality competition Saturday to conclude their trip to Oregon. CIU faces its third nationally ranked opponent of the weekend in No. 19 Bushnell University before closing the Hampton Inn Classic against Taylor University (Ind.).
